human head
human head
Culture
Benin Kingdom
Creation date
mid-16th to late 18th century
Materials
ceramic
Dimensions
H: 8 7/8 in.
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.819
Collection
Currently On View In
Eiteljorg Suite of African and Oceanic Art
Representations of human heads made of baked clay are found on altars of Benin City brass casters and honor Igueghae, who in the 1300's is believed to have come from the sacred Yoruba city of Ife to introduce the art of brass casting to the Benin Kingdom. In the past, such heads may have appeared on royal ancestor altars.
